NM Governor Bill Richardson Announces Three Major Film and Television Projects for New Mexico

October 2, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that two major motion picture projects and a third season of a popular television series are preparing to shoot in New Mexico during the coming months.

“Despite the economy and despite competition from many other states New Mexico’s film industry is still strong,” said Governor Richardson. “We are known around the world for our highly skilled and experienced crew base, our growing base of support businesses and facilities, and of course, our unparalleled locations and climate. Add to that the strong support for the industry from local communities and we are at the top of the list when productions are choosing locations."

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The projects are:

• The Warner Bros. comedy Due Date starring Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Zach Galiafinakis (The Hangover), and Michelle Monaghan (Made of Honor) is currently in pre-production. Todd Phillips (The Hangover) will direct. Due Date is the story of a father-to-be (Downey Jr.) who is desperately trying to make it home before his wife (Monaghan) gives birth to their first child. His trip is complicated by his encounter with an annoying traveler (Galifianakis). The film will shoot during October and November at Albuquerque Studios, as well as in the Las Cruces area, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas. The production will hire approximately 365 New Mexicans for the crew, as well as an estimated 645 background talent.

• Passion Play, a drama from CCH Productions, LLC, will shoot in Santa Fe and Albuquerque from October through December. The film stars Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Megan Fox (Transformers-Revenge of the Fallen), and marks the directorial debut of screenwriter and producer Mitch Glazer (The Recruit). It is the story of a down on his luck trumpeter who tries to save an angel from a dangerous gangster in the 1950’s. The production is expected to hire more than 125 New Mexico crew members as well as background talent and additional cast members.

• USA announced that In Plain Sight will film a third season in New Mexico. The production, which stars Mary McCormack as a U.S. marshal for the witness protection program, will film 16 episodes in and around Albuquerque beginning in January.

Since Governor Richardson took office in 2003, 129 major film and television projects have been produced in New Mexico, with an estimated economic impact of approximately $3 billion.

In the state there are an estimated 10,000 direct and indirect jobs related to the film industry, and over 200 local film-specific businesses and services.

Source: New Mexico Governor